Why the Pats should tank it against the Titans

[PonyExpress]

After wrestling with the possibilities, tanking the Tennessee game looks like the best option. The reasons:

1. Baltimore is the best team in the NFL. They have a tough, playoff savvy QB immune to pressure, the dogs of hell on D, and among the best WR/WR/TE combos in the league (Mason/Clayton/Heap). The O-line has allowed 1 sack in the last 5 games, the coaches are decent game planners. The pressure they bring on the edges with Suggs and Pryce and via the blitz, and the above average man to man coverage they can apply, are exactly the weak points of the Pats O. The Pats on short rest facing a veteran Ravens' squad after a bye week is the worst possible matchup for the home town heroes and must be avoided at all cost in the 2nd rd. Since SD will almost certainly beat Arizona in week 17 and clinch the #1 seed, take your chances with SD, and hope to face the Ravens team in the AFCCG, after their veteran players have spent some pent up energy against their first foe. The footing would be more equal.

2. SD can be had. While an extra week of rest will help the veterans on the Ravens, it may hurt the young players on SD, Philip Rivers specifically. Rivers is an almost bizarrely emotional guy, so frenetic and agitated at times that he becomes his own worst enemy. The extra week of build-up may cause him to come out throwing inaccurately due to emotion, overprepared and too psyched to control himself. A little early adversity could sink him for most of the game, although he has alot of heart and could still gather himself late. While Merriman and Phillips are great P-rushers, the secondary is sub-par coverage wise and Brady should be able to move the ball with a quick passing attack. No one says it will be easy, but SD is the better option in rd 2.

3. The team could use the rest. Some of the veterans, Brady in particular, seem emotionally drained after the roller coaster events, inconsistency and accompanying scrutiny of this season. A week off to gather and refocus may be a god send.

4. The first rd opponent is irrelevant. Whether Denver, the Jets or Cinci, the Pats will DESTROY any of them. It won't even be close. Revenge will be on their minds, they will have the emotional, physical and home-field edge and will take whomever they face out to the wood-shed.

So, play the Titan game like the Dolphin week 17 game last year. Give Cassel a chance knock the rust off and BRady a chance to recuperate.

 

[carolinatony]

I agree but BB does not think like us so I hope Brady only plays the first half

 

[zippo59]

I still feel pretty good about our chances with Matt Cassel in there.

I really think Matt Cassel could end up being something special and Tennessee has the worst defense in the league.

 

[fgssand]

The only problem with tanking the game would be that we are the # 4 seed. That would eliminate any chance of the AFC Championship game in Foxboro if it so happens that seeds 1&2 are knocked out.

Give me a healthy Wilfork & Watson and you will see 444 - as in Four games for glory # 4.

 

[Va_Pats_Fan]

If the pats are going to be SB champs, they should not get there by tossing any games. All comers. Head on.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I totally disagree. I think Tomlinson and Merriman are difficult. I can't imagine Light trying to take on Merriman.

I think the pats could handle jamal lewis and the ravens defense.

I'd prefer to play baltimore

 

[vapatsfan]

I agree, the Ravens can be beaten- our defense will stop them, and our offense will make enough plays to beat them. LT killed us last time we played them, so I don't look forward to playing the Chargers...

 

[PatsSteve1]

As a matter of principle, I'm never for tanking a game. I didn't like it when Bb seemed to do it last year and I won't be for it if he does this year

 

[psychoPat]

If what i read on cbssportsline is correct,
the Jets' win eliminated Tenn from the playoffs.

Behind the professional pride and wish to extend their winning streak
... expect the Titans to be downcast, and poorly motivated.

 

[Lansdowne]

If the pats are going to be SB champs, they should not get there by tossing any games. All comers. Head on.

I agree. To be the best, you have to beat the best.

 

[spacecrime]

The only problem with tanking the game would be that we are the # 4 seed. That would eliminate any chance of the AFC Championship game in Foxboro if it so happens that seeds 1&2 are knocked out.

Certainly not. We could meet a WC in the AFC Championship Game. This would have happened last year had we beaten the Broncos. We would have hosted the Steelers in the AFCCG.

 

[spacecrime]

If what i read on cbssportsline is correct,
the Jets' win eliminated Tenn from the playoffs.

Not the way I read it:

Tennessee can clinch a playoff berth with:
A win and a Cincinnati loss or tie and a Denver loss and a Kansas City win


http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/playoffrace/scenarios

 

[A.C Vegas]

You are wrong about no chance to have the AFC championship game at home as the 4 seed

wildcard Weekend: We beat the 5 seed the 6 seed upsets the 3 seed
Divisonal round We beat the 2 seed the 6 seed upsets the 1 seed
AFC Championship 4 seed vs 6 seed

 

[fgssand]

Certainly not. We could meet a WC in the AFC Championship Game. This would have happened last year had we beaten the Broncos. We would have hosted the Steelers in the AFCCG.

True, however, obviously, being the # 3 means we are home if the #4 plays #3 for AFC Championship.

 

[smg93]

I don't think we should tank the game against the titans. I'd rather go into the playoffs with a lot of momentum. There isn't much to choose from between SD and BAL right now. They are both good teams as are we. Let's go out and play a competitive game and hit the playoffs running.

 

[Fogbuster]

If the pats are going to be SB champs, they should not get there by tossing any games. All comers. Head on.

:yeahthat:

I don't believe in throwing games away. Goes against my conscience. Play to win or don't play at all. I do not like the "prevent" defense for the same reason: it gives away too much momentum.

Having said that, if the game is decided, than Brady should definitely get some time off. Seems he took a wicked hit on Sunday, and he played a great game, so he shouldn't play any more than necessary. Same with Dillon and others banged-up. (Yeah, I know: could be the whole starting teams, but you know what I mean.)

But the Pats should play to win.

 

[D-cleater]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4337063445405916689&q=herm+edwards&hl=en

 

[Fogbuster]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4337063445405916689&q=herm+edwards&hl=en

It's what I'm talking about.

 

[VJCPatriot]

And we're forgetting the most important reason not to tank - it induces bad karma. I still remember last year when we intentionally threw the last game so we wouldn't face the Steelers. Then we get stomped by the Donkeys at Mile High.

I say now is the time to start a winning streak and then carry that momentum through the playoffs. You didn't hear any thoughts of tanking in 2001. And the Pats beat the toughest teams in football that year - Raiders, Steelers, and the "Greatest Show on Turf" Rams.

You don't become a champion by hoping to "sneak" through by beating weak teams. You meet the tough teams head on and show why you're the best. The Pats just beat a tough JAX team. Have some faith in them. Let's go Pats - Just win out baby!

PS I happen to disagree that Baltimore is a better team than San Diego. San Diego's offense is way scarier with LT. So they are a more balanced team that can hurt you in many ways. One thing is for sure. Matt Light is going to be tested big time, we need to give him HELP and not leave him on an island!

 

[PonyExpress]

I am encouraged by the valiant and offended reaction of Patriot fans to my suggestion of tanking the season's last game. I probably deserve these reprimands- the best counter-argument I can find to my original point is the idea there is a cosmic karma associated with football... call it "The Football Gods"; and the Football Gods are offended by conniving, cunning hearts who shrink from challenges on the field of battle. Football Players, like the mythical Conan, worship (metaphorically) a god of war like CROM, who despises faint hearts, and curses those who fail to meet a challenge head on. The Denver debacle is an excellent example of Divine Football Punishment, which cost last year's team a chance for immortality. Now that I have learned my lesson, let's hope that BB learned his!